When asked what kind of adjustments he’s had to make, Gama replied: “Getting to get used to it — walking around, not losing balance.”

He’s facing other difficulties as well. For a teenage boy who just wants to fit in, there is now the pain of being different.

It’s no surprise that he longs for his old life, and his family hopes that what doctors do next will be a milestone in his treatment and future. Doctors will insert a prosthetic eye they say is so state of the art that it will be nearly impossible to tell it’s not real.

“For a 13-year-old, that’s a big deal,” said Dr. Richard Lisman. ” … It’ll be a big boost to him aesthetically. He just will look like the other side.”

Gama Droiville (Credit: Family Handout)

When asked if the prosthesis will make him feel any different, Gama said: “It will. Get away from the attention, and less people will recognize me.”

Still, Gama’s aunt and uncle, who have raised him since he was 2 years old, said they’re worried.